Connector for coupling an endoscope to a video camera
First Claim
1. Apparatus for connecting an endoscope to a video camera for viewing areas invaded by a tube of the endoscope, said apparatus comprising:
- an endoscope, devoid of an eyepiece,first adaptor means for attachment to said endoscope at a proximal end thereof in fluid-sealing engagement therewith;
second adaptor means for attachment to a video camera in fluid-sealing engagement therewith;
joinder means, distinct from said first and said second adaptor means and interposed, therebetween for connecting said first and said second adaptor means;
fastener means, for securing said joinder means at each of opposed ends thereof respectively to said first adaptor means and to said second adaptor means in fluid-sealing relation therewith;
said first adaptor means, said second adaptor means and said joinder means being in a linealy coaxial array and being fixed against rotation relative to one another;
said first adaptor means including means for facilitating relative rotation with respect to said endoscope coaxial therewith and detachably coupled thereto.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A connector for coupling an endoscope to a video camera to facilitate an enhanced viewing of endoscope-invaded examination and surgical zones on a video monitor screen, to which the camera perceived image is transmitted. The coupler combines three axially-aligned and rigidly joined component elements including a first adapter for quickly and easily connecting and disconnecting an endoscope, and a second adapter for connection to a video camera. A joinder element is interposed between and connects the two adapters to one another. The three components of the coupling apparatus are fixed against rotation relative to one another, while the first adapter permits rotation of the endoscope with respect to the coupling apparatus and the attached camera. Fluid-tight seals are provided between the elements of the coupling apparatus and between its adapters themselves and endoscope and camera. The joinder element houses a longitudinally positionable lens or lens system for focusing images received from the endoscope, onto the focal plane of the video camera.
76 Citations
16 Claims
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1. Apparatus for connecting an endoscope to a video camera for viewing areas invaded by a tube of the endoscope, said apparatus comprising:
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an endoscope, devoid of an eyepiece, first adaptor means for attachment to said endoscope at a proximal end thereof in fluid-sealing engagement therewith; second adaptor means for attachment to a video camera in fluid-sealing engagement therewith; joinder means, distinct from said first and said second adaptor means and interposed, therebetween for connecting said first and said second adaptor means; fastener means, for securing said joinder means at each of opposed ends thereof respectively to said first adaptor means and to said second adaptor means in fluid-sealing relation therewith; said first adaptor means, said second adaptor means and said joinder means being in a linealy coaxial array and being fixed against rotation relative to one another; said first adaptor means including means for facilitating relative rotation with respect to said endoscope coaxial therewith and detachably coupled thereto. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. Apparatus for connecting an endoscope to a video camera for viewing areas invaded by a tube of the endoscope, said apparatus comprising:
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an endoscope, devoid of an eyepiece, first adaptor means for attachment to said endoscope at a proximal end thereof in fluid-sealing engagement therewith; second adaptor means for attachment to a video camera in fluid-sealing engagement therewith; joinder means, distinct from said first and second adaptor means and interposed therebetween for connecting said firs and said second adaptor means; fastener means, for securing said joinder means at each of opposed ends thereof respectively to said first adaptor means and to said second adaptor means in fluid-sealing relation therewith; said first adaptor means, said second adaptor means and said joinder means being in a linealy coaxial array and being fixed against rotation relative to one another; said first adaptor means including means for facilitating relative rotation with respect to said endoscope coaxial therewith and detachably coupled thereto, a threaded collar integrally formed with and projecting axially from said joinder means, said first adaptor means having a body and wherein said body of said first adaptor means includes a threaded neck for threadedly engaging with cooperating threads of said collar of said joinder means, said body of said first adaptor means including an elongate cylindrical tube defining a through axial channel-like bore of reduced diameter for receiving a proximal tubular end of said endoscope slidably therewithin, a cylindrical wall of said first adaptor means, and defining a radially-enlarged, elongate cavity formed in said first adaptor means, said cavity communicating with and coaxial with said bore in said body and extending rearwardly thereof as viewed toward said joinder means, said cavity being adapted to receive slidably therewithin in substantially contiguous abutment with a radially-enlarged, lineal, cylindrical sector of said endoscope in a zone adjacent the tubular end thereof.
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Specification